Kosiur back home on City Council

Longtime public servant returns for second stint on Schenectady City Council

By Paul Nelson

Published 11:19 pm, Monday, March 10, 2014

Schenectady

U.S. Rep. Paul D. Tonko was among the Democratic politicians and power brokers who came to Monday's City Council meeting to watch Ed Kosiur take the oath of office as the newest member of the governing body.

With his wife by his side holding the Bible and his three daughters behind him, Kosiur was sworn in by Schenectady County Legislator Gary Hughes, the majority leader.

"This is where I belong. I really love working for the people, the citizens of Schenectady," Kosiur said.

This is the second stint on the City Council for Kosiur, 58, who also previously served as a county lawmaker and school board member. In 2002, Kosiur filled an open City Council seat.

Tonko lauded Kosiur as someone who would bring his talent, passion and expertise to the council.

The Woodlawn resident was hired as a special assistant county commissioner after losing an Assembly race to Republican George Amedore Jr. in 2007. He earns $85,309 a year.

He will earn about $14,100 in the council job.

Kosiur also said Monday that Schenectady County Legislator Philip Fields would swear him in this November, a confirmation that he plans to run and win a one-year term on Election Day.

After that, he must run again next year for a full four years.

The seat became vacant in January after Councilwoman Denise Brucker resigned to move to neighboring Niskayuna. Despite some divisions, city Democrats eventually rallied around Kosuir to succeed Brucker.

Meanwhile, at a public hearing, several city residents and anti-smoking advocates spoke in favor of the city's plan to ban the sale of loosies, or loose cigarettes. Two people criticized the idea, saying it would further tax police resources and might also be a way to harass poor people.